EMAS
EU voluntary scheme for environmental management and audit
AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations.
Quick Verdict
EMAS drives voluntary environmental performance and transparency for EU organizations via verified statements, while AS9110C ensures quality management for aviation MROs through certification. Companies adopt EMAS for ESG credibility; AS9110C for contracts and safety compliance.
EMAS
Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 Eco-Management and Audit Scheme
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
Key Features
- Configuration management and traceability controls
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection
- Risk-based thinking in planning and operations
- Human factors and product safety requirements
- Alignment with FAA/EASA Part-145 regulations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EMAS Details
What It Is
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), governed by Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009, is a voluntary EU framework for environmental management systems. It promotes continuous improvement in environmental performance through structured evaluation, reporting, and verification, building on ISO 14001 with added transparency requirements.
Key Components
- Initial environmental review of direct/indirect aspects
- EMS aligned with ISO 14001 plus employee involvement
- Internal audits and management review
- Six core performance indicators (energy, materials, water, waste, emissions, biodiversity)
- Validated public environmental statement (Annex IV)
- Independent verifier validation and Competent Body registration
Why Organizations Use It
- Verified legal compliance reduces regulatory risks
- Public transparency builds stakeholder trust
- Operational efficiencies from resource optimization
- Procurement advantages and ESG reporting synergies
- Demonstrable performance improvements for reputation
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: review, policy/programme development, EMS implementation, audits, verification, registration. Applies to all sectors/sizes; SMEs have derogations. Requires annual statement updates and 3-year renewals.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international aerospace quality management system (QMS) standard for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aviation-specific requirements for safety-critical processes, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach to ensure continuing airworthiness.
Key Components
- Core clauses (4-10) from ISO HLS, plus maintenance controls like configuration management, counterfeit prevention, human factors, traceability, and release-to-service.
- No fixed number of controls; emphasizes documented information, competence, and operational evidence.
- Certification model via accredited registrars, requiring internal audits and management reviews.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/OEM contracts and regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
- Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, improves on-time delivery.
- Enhances market access, supply-chain credibility, and operational efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, pilots, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; requires operational maturity before certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | EMAS | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental performance management and reporting | Aerospace MRO quality management system |
| Industry | All sectors, EU-focused voluntary | Aviation maintenance organizations globally |
| Nature | Voluntary EU regulation with registration | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Independent verifier validation annually | Internal audits and certification body audits |
| Penalties | Registration suspension/deletion | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EMAS and AS9110C
EMAS FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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